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Politics & Government

Council Approves $1.2 Million Budget

Watkinsville's FY 2012 budget reflects a nearly 10 percent reduction in revenue, but it includes no major cuts to services.

It took months of evaluating, two public hearings and more financial frugality than many expected, but the was able to that accounts for an expected 10 percent revenue reduction.

After shaving $130,945 from last year's budget total, the council approved the city's proposed $1.2 million FY 2012 budget Wednesday night.

The budget, which has remained the same after two public hearings, comes in at $1,207,160 and takes account for a projected 9.79 percent reduction in revenue.

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“It's gonna be tight,” Mayor Joe Walter said.

Among the departments that faced the most proverbial belt-tightening since last year's budget are the general government and the fire department – down about 42 percent and 60 percent respectively. The $20,900 the fire department was allotted last year was slashed to $8,400 after reducing liability insurance and cutting out the travel budget.

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Councilman Mike Link said he was happy with the final budget, calling it “well-thought out.”

“The economy like it is, I think we're probably putting it as close as we can without putting ourselves in the hole,” Link said.

Also discussed at the meeting was a proposal by the Miller Valentine Group to develop a series of lots along Water and Durham Streets into commercial properties and a 64-room senior living community.

“It's certainly a value to downtown, a value to the community,” said Peter Schwiegeraht, who spoke to the council as a representative from the Miller Valentine Group.

The proposed $12 million development – which is divided into three phases – hit the skids due to zoning issues. Building a living space on a mixed use property before the commercial aspects of the development are built may not adhere to zoning laws.

City Attorney Joe Reitman said he'd work with Schwiegeraht and others to make sure the “letter and spirit” of Watkinsville's zoning and development laws are upheld.

 

Also discussed at the meeting:

  • Jim and Carla Harp of 1061 Stone Shoals Terrace were named the recipients of Watkinsville's monthly Beautiful Yard Award.

  • Anne-Marie Johnson was granted a business license for Savvy Accounting, a home-based accounting service at her Southland Drive residence.

  • Diana Rubin was approved for a business license for Il Gelato Veneziano at 1121 Industrial Drive. The establishment will supply local businesses and vendors with gelato made on-site.

  • Lee Carmon was presented with the Calls Creek Award for her work monitoring the bacteria levels in Calls Creek.

  • Watkinsville Police issued 63 citations, gave 43 warnings and responded to five accidents last month, according to Mayor Walter's monthly Mayor's Report.

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